Abstract

ABSTRACT
Increased oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiency present in infected subjects can be related to infection progression in chronic diseases like leprosy. Zinc is an essential trace element required for human and animal nutrition and its role as an important component of body’s antioxidant system has been well established. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on plasma malondialdehyde and serum zinc levels in leprosy patients. 50 cases, 30 belonging to Tuberculoid leprosy and 20 categorized as Lepromatous leprosy groups underwent zinc supplementation for a period of 4 months. The malondialdehyde and zinc levels were assessed at baseline, after 2 months and 4 months. Results showed that plasma malondialdehyde, the marker of oxidative stress was significantly reduced, but serum zinc levels showed a significant rise in both the groups in the post intervention period as compared to their levels before supplementation, indicating a potential beneficial role of zinc as a nutritional supplement and an anti-oxidant.